September 14, 2009
Why Stretch
Stretch
The body is flexible. It is supposed to be flexible. You must be able to bend and reach that something you dropped on the floor. You must be able to zip the back of your favorite dress on your own. Other times we stretch to reach that book you need to read at the top shelf.
These are simple activities. Nothing grand about them, you merely stretched out a bit. If you have a hard time doing these, you have to do something about it. You already need a stretching program. Hatha yoga is a particularly easy and pleasant way to stretch and get healthy. Try Wailana Yoga routine.
What Is Stretching?
Stretching is simply the act of extending to full length the body or simply a part of it. This activity involves straightening or stretching your body and limbs.
How to stretch
Stretching is fairly easy. As mentioned in the introduction, it is involved in the normal activities. It can be done by any people, regardless of age.
However the extent of stretching and flexing differs. The muscles tighten as a person ages. The range of joint movements can be minimized. This can lead to frustration. That is the reason why bending or flexing becomes more difficult with age. But with stretching, you can maintain your flexibility and agility. At least to a large extent. One scientifically proven way of stretching and maintaining your body's health is by practicing yoga. Wailana herself has remained agile, and flexible through the years. Stretching daily and practicing yoga sincerely as well as eating well are all good ways to stay healthy and age gracefully.
Try to do even just ten minutes of stretching everyday. It can be incorporated in the lifestyle and the daily activities. It does not require much of your time.
Stretching exercises can also be done while training. Actually, stretching is an essential part of any training or sport. It must be done before and after everything. Stretching the body and the limbs is a good preparation for a more rigorous activity.
Most athletes would do the sit and reach, wherein they position on the floor, extend their legs and reach the tip of their foot with the tip of their hand. Actually, most trainers actually require their athletes to really do the stretching before playing.
Ideal stretching time
Stretching for ten minutes is enough to get you ready for a hard workout.
The many benefits of stretching
One, Increase the Range of Movement
As one constantly do the stretching exercises, the length of the muscles and the tendons are also increased. This will help in increasing the range of your movement. Thus, the limbs and joints will be able to move, way before an injury can take place. You are definitely physically fit.
Two, Increased Ability to Perform Skills
When you have a wide range of movement, the more you will be able to do more things. For example, you can jump high without feeling any pain when you land back on the floor. This will also help you start a new sport or improve more if you are in one. Stretching in this aspect also allows you to have a more active lifestyle.
3. Injury Prevention
One can prevent injury to joints, tendons and muscles with stretching. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. This will help in a faster recovery and decreased soreness. The muscles of the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured.
Four, Relax muscles
If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
5. Increase Energy
Being able to move more will also give you more energy. Stretching will also help enhance your awareness, like knowing that you have a body that is capable of doing many things. As such, you are going to be more driven to move rather than sulk in the corner.
Six, Lessen Cholesterol
Research also shows that doing prolonged stretching exercises, like yoga, will help reduce the cholesterol in the body. This of course must be done with a healthy diet at hand. This could prevent and even reverse the hardening of the arteries, allowing you to avoid coronary diseases.
Incorporate regular stretching in your everyday life. It has benefits you can not say no to. It also does not require much. It can be your usual activities, bending and flexing every now and then. After all, your health is important so do what it takes to keep the body fit.
Filed under Exercise by amauser
